Telescoping Patents (Class 220/8)
  • Patent number: 7344056
    Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible container holder assembly for a vehicle having a floor tray. The container holder assembly comprises a carrier portion adapted to be selectably fastened to the floor tray of the vehicle and includes at least one recessed opening formed therein for receiving a beverage container. At least one container receptor portion is adapted to be telescopically engaged and retained within the at least one opening formed in the carrier portion wherein the at least one container receptor portion is adjustable between an extended and collapsed position relative to the carrier portion as desired by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: William Shelmon, Paul St. Angelo, Hidenori Uno
  • Patent number: 7334669
    Abstract: Wheeled luggage having a telescopically expandable body is disclosed. The luggage body may be manually adjusted from a normally sized carry-on configuration during transit, to a vertically enlarged configuration once the final destination, such as a hotel room, is reached. The body further includes a plurality of interior horizontally disposed, vertically stacked shelves connected in accordion fashion to an internal liner so as to automatically expand from a compact configuration to an expanded configuration when the main body is telescopically expanded thereby providing a series of vertically spaced shelves which provide convenient access to the contents. A garment folding apparatus may be incorporated with the luggage to provide a tool that assists the user in quickly folding clothing to dimensions compatible with storage spaced within the luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Deborah Barker, Bradd Barker
  • Patent number: 7328825
    Abstract: This application is directed to a dynamic storage compartment for modifying the interior space of a vehicle, either as originally equipped or as an after-market modification, so as to provide a means for providing enhanced storage capacity for a vehicle which is characterized by ease of use and the ability to provide secure out of sight storage for valuables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Dolores Kaiser
  • Patent number: 7322467
    Abstract: A receptacle stores and keeps items, such as toiletries and medicine, within close proximity to a tissue box. The receptacle includes a bottom wall, a plurality of walls and a hook element. The plurality of walls extends outwardly from the bottom wall to define a storage space. The hook element has an edge for forming a hole in a top surface of the tissue box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Tissue Box Caddy, LLC
    Inventor: David Youngblood
  • Publication number: 20080000902
    Abstract: According to various principles of the present invention, a collapsible paintball container may include a plurality of cylindrical sections arranged to form a holder sized to contain a supply of paintballs in a expanded state and arranged to fit one within another in a collapsed state. The container has a closed end and an open end. A lid can be provided to cover the open end and can be hingedly connected to the container. A spring or other biasing member can be provided to bias the lid in an open position when the lid is opened. The biasing member may also bias the lid in a closed position when the lid is closed. A locking member can be provided to retain the paintball container in its expanded state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Doug Holbrook, Edward S. Telford
  • Patent number: 7281616
    Abstract: An item of expandable luggage includes a substantially rigid main peripheral frame and a substantially rigid secondary peripheral frame. A peripherally continuous gusset of flexible material is connected between the two peripheral frames. Opposite wall panels of the main peripheral frame are joined to corresponding opposite wall panels of the secondary peripheral frame by bridge assemblies, one such assembly being associated with each of the opposite wall panels of the respective frames. Each bridge assembly includes a receiving member affixed to the wall panel of the first component, the receiving member having an aperture therein, and a substantially rigid bridge plate affixed to the wall panel of the second component and slidably received by the receiving members, the plate having a first and second tongue capable of cooperating with the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Tumi, Inc.
    Inventors: Shep Peterson, Robert P. Davis
  • Publication number: 20070221671
    Abstract: A cylindrical case 3 receives a stick of solid glue 8 as an item to be received in a reciprocating manner so as to come out and retract through an opening of the case 3. A cap 5 is arranged to engage with the opening of the case 3. Engagement release of the cap 5 is carried out by rotating an operating member 6. The operating member 6 includes a peripheral member 50 and an operating force imparting portion 51 continuous with the peripheral member 50 mounted on an upper portion of the case 3. When the operating force imparting portion 51 is pressed downward, force apply points 54 formed at a side opposite of the operating force imparting portion 51 impart a push-up force to the cap 5 thereby releasing the cap 5 from the engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: KOKUYO S&T CO., LTD
    Inventors: Shogo KOBAYASHI, Hideto SHIMA
  • Patent number: 7273155
    Abstract: A trash receptacle that receives and supports a flexible trash bag liner and sucks the empty flexible liner tight against the interior surfaces of the receptacle in a full open position absent any air pockets or billowing by extracting air trapped between the exterior surface of the liner and the interior surfaces of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Robert R. Gray
  • Patent number: 7252204
    Abstract: A combination lock container (10), suitable for accepting a wine bottle, consisting of an upper housing (12), a lower housing (50), a plurality of tumblers (18A-18E), and externally applied indicia (24). Cylindrical walls, or skirt portions, of each housing nest and engage into one another. Each housing has a key-like feature, consisting of a linear array of tabs with gap spacing between, that projects radially from the outer cylindrical wall surface. The upper housing has a longitudinal slot opening in the cylindrical wall, adjacent to its set of tabs, which can accept the tabs of the lower housing. When the housings are fully assembled, matching tab and gap features on each housing are adjacent and in lateral alignment with respect to each other. A plurality of tumblers, each with an internal annularly formed locking rib, are placed concentrically around the housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Steven Douglas Small
  • Patent number: 7213707
    Abstract: In order to facilitate the shipping and display of products for selection and purchase by a consumer, the product shipping and display carton includes a display box, a shipping sleeve, and a removable fastener. The display box is defined by a bottom panel and an upwardly extending wall panel together forming a product carrying enclosure. The display box has an open top defined by a top wall panel edge opposite the bottom panel. The wall panel has a removable panel portion below the open top defining a product viewing window in the display box. The shipping sleeve is defined by a top panel and a downwardly extending wall panel together forming a telescoping enclosure. The shipping sleeve has an open bottom defined by a bottom wall panel edge opposite the top panel. The display box is positioned in the telescoping enclosure such that the open top is covered by the shipping sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Walgreen Co.
    Inventors: William Hubbs, Chris Galardi, James Trappani
  • Patent number: 7185605
    Abstract: A multi-tier feeder which is comprised of a plurality of mesh feeder bodies stacked one upon the other in a collapsible fashion and which include even feed baffle plates positioned therein in a vertically spaced-apart relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Raymon W. Lush
  • Patent number: 7168583
    Abstract: An insulated drinking utensil that extends to contain more liquid and enhance logo/decorative display including an outer casing, inner casing(s), a lid if desired, a handle if desired, and sealing gasket if desired. The extendable drinking container transforms from a normal drinking utensil into a larger drinking utensil capable of holding more and displaying more. This container allows individuals the convenience of turning their everyday mug into a larger container or pitcher. This container allows individuals to show off their favorite team in a new and revolutionary way. This container allows retailers to offer something completely unique to their customers while also conserving precious shelf space normally used for containers with similar storage capacity. This container also allows the end user the luxury of storing a container with a large holding capacity into a small storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas John Freeman
  • Patent number: 7163116
    Abstract: An ashtray for automobiles exhibits a holder and a removable ashtray that is inserted in the holder, whereby a lifting mechanism is provided for lifting the ashtray from a usage position into an easy-grip position for removal. The lifting mechanism includes an actuator element, which is adjustable at the holder and a transmission element acting together with it. A lifting mechanism exhibiting a simple, cost-efficient construction is created in that the transmission element is in an operating connection with a pivotal lever hinged to the holder in such a manner that, when shifting the actuator element, the pivotal lever makes an arc shaped movement, during the course of which a rounded upper end area of the pivotal lever comes into contact with the underside of the ashtray, and moves it up towards the easy grip-position for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Pandura
  • Patent number: 7147119
    Abstract: A covered food container or serving platter incorporates a cover stand as part of the structure of the container. The cover may be temporarily stored on the stand while the user obtains access to the container. In one embodiment a plurality of support columns are attached to and distributed about the serving platter, and correspond to a plurality of support extensions that extend from the lid of the cover. Each of the columns has a substantially hollow interior of appropriate dimension to slidably receive the support extensions when the cover is placed over and received upon the serving platter. As the cover is raised from the platter and the support extensions partially withdrawn from the support columns, at a certain height above the platter the support extensions and the support columns selectively interact to create an elevated support shelf from which to suspend the platter cover over the platter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Richard G. Brothers
  • Patent number: 7147120
    Abstract: An organizer for a drawer or other rectangular or non-rectangular space. The organizer has a plurality of individual elements that are mutually nested together and can be moved both in the width direction and in the length direction to expand or contract the organizer so as to conform to the dimensions of the drawer or other rectangular or non-rectangular space. Each element has a bottom surface that combines to provide a contiguous bottom surface of the organizer in the expanded and contracted positions. There is also a peripheral continuous raised edge that surrounds the perimeter of the organizer when in the contracted or expanded positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventors: Gayle Rosenberg, Eli Pine
  • Patent number: 7086510
    Abstract: An expansion mechanism for use with a piece of luggage, the expansion mechanism being designed to resiliently support, but not rigidly lock, a piece of expandable luggage in an extended position. The expansion mechanism allows for float at intermediate positions between a collapsed and extended position further preventing damage to the mechanism by allowing it to internally shift to compensate for shocks, and to allow the mechanism to continue to function even if it is bent or damaged. The expansion mechanism also allows for moveable parts of the mechanism and pinch points to be protected from interaction with the contents of the luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: TRG Group, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert Smith, Doug Golenz, Andy Burgess, Aaron Gorga, Jeff Mullins, Daniel Kim
  • Patent number: 7077266
    Abstract: A travel enclosure for a golf bag has a support for the golf bag and a set of nested members arranged for telescopic movement with respect to each other and the support between remotely spaced positions disassociated from the support and at least partially enclosing positions in association with the support about the golf bag. One of the nested members being engaged with the support upon the telescopic movement of the nested members into their at least partially closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Telebag, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory B Dietrich
  • Patent number: 7048317
    Abstract: A scoop expandable into a configuration including a handle section attached to a bellows section. The bellows section includes a plurality of slant wall sections and thin wall sections attached between adjacent slant wall sections defining peaks and valleys between adjacent slant wall sections, and a center bottom section attached to an adjacent slant wall section. A height dimension of the scoop in an unexpanded state ranges from about 2.5 to about 12.5 millimeters. The scoop is suitable for use in packaging granulated materials under high speed, high pressure, or space-limited packaging conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Bryan A. Netsch
  • Patent number: 7036664
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for packaging, displaying, dispensing, and storing at least one product, having an inner packaging member and an outer packaging member, the outer packaging member being slidably mounted over the inner packaging member. The inner packaging member may have a structure for retaining a product, such a compartment, a structure for separating the compartment, such as a wall, a complementary contour for accommodating the product, such as a power or a battery cell. The outer packaging member may have a backing member, such as at least one insert, a flange for accommodating and supporting the at least one insert, a roof member, and a section for accommodating an advertisement of the at least one product. The packaging apparatus may have a structure for mating and locking the outer packaging member to the inner packaging member for facilitating engagement and disengagement. The outer packaging member and the inner packaging member may together have a complementary geometric configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Monster Cable Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kendrew Lee, Yasuhiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7014058
    Abstract: A container is provided which includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and second portion are slidably disposed so that the container is selectively adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position. The container may also be selectively coupled with another container. The container has a retention portion and a receiving portion. In one embodiment, the retention portion is a flange and the receiving portion is a ridge, the flange of one container being selectively coupled with the ridge of another container. The container may also have a guide which guides the slidaby coupled first portion and second portion. The container may also have a stop which prevents the first portion from separating from the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Dale C. Gledhill
  • Patent number: 7000795
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container, in particular as a work room, with variable volume, having a basic container with a bottom wall and a roof wall, at least one expansion element, which can be moved out of the basic container and which exhibits a bottom wall, a side that is open in the direction of the basic container, as well as a front wall opposite the open side, and a device, with which the expansion element can be lowered and lifted. The basic container exhibits at least one hinged side wall and the expansion element is open at the top. In the moved-out state a roof wall of the expansion element is formed by the side wall that is opened up on hinges and belongs to the basic container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Dornier GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Serden
  • Patent number: 6991124
    Abstract: Blast resistant and blast directing containers, as well as doors and closures therefor, for receiving explosive articles and preventing or minimizing damage in the event of an explosion. The container comprises at least three nested bands of material wherein the bands are oriented relative to one another to substantially enclose a volume and to form a container wall having a thickness substantially equivalent to the sum of the thicknesses of at least two of the bands. The containers have utility as cargo holders, particularly in aircraft where weight is an important consideration, and as transport devices for hazardous materials such as gunpowder and explosives, e.g., bombs and grenades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Igor Palley, Gary Allan Harpell, Max Wilhelm Gerlach
  • Patent number: 6981554
    Abstract: An expandable fire-fighting fluid container is arranged for receiving a fire fighting fluid. The container is comprised of end walls, a bottom between the end walls, and movable side walls connected to the end walls and the bottom with expandable seals. Actuators are attached between the side walls and the end walls. The actuators are powered by an engine attached to the container. The side walls are retractable inward for reducing container width for traveling on public roads, and expandable outward for increasing fluid capacity at a fire site. A pump is attached to the container for pumping the fluid to douse a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: James A. Klump
  • Patent number: 6908250
    Abstract: A tool is provided and includes a hook member which is attached to an extendable and retractable pole member, and a retainer which can retain the pole member in a collapsed position. The hook member is used to twist a short portion of a workpiece around a long portion of a workpiece in order to secure the short portion to the long portion when the workpiece is hung from an overhead support member. The retainer retains an inner pole of the pole member within an outer pole of the pole member when the pole member is in a collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Greenlee Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Wilbur Keith Moffatt
  • Patent number: 6886703
    Abstract: A vertically adjustable work bucket apparatus includes a shell and a container, wherein the container is vertically adjustable within the shell. The shell includes a plurality of furrow series, wherein the furrows series each have a plurality of furrows, along the interior sidewall of the shell. The furrows are provided to receive, house and support corresponding ribs that are affixed to the exterior sidewall of the container. The container is radially rotated so that the ribs are aligned within the furrows to match a desired profile setting, including at least a maximum and minimum profile. The shell includes a plurality of rollers affixed to the bottom of the shell to allow for easy transportation and positioning of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: James D. Bonner
  • Patent number: 6883674
    Abstract: Multipurpose holders for electronic components utilized during a fabrication process must allow the components to be submerged into baths of hydrofluoric acid, rinsed in de-ionized water (D.I.), placed into baths of alcohol for dehydration, and ultimately dried prior to further processing. The holders provide both fluid flow around the wafers while in each bath of fluid and while being processed by the critical point dryer, and a containment system to keep the wafer submerged in fluid at all times during the transfer between baths and the drying equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Tousimis Research Corporation
    Inventors: Anastasios J. Tousimis, Chris Tousimis, Yianni Tousimis
  • Publication number: 20040232016
    Abstract: A telescoping hard case for carrying a golf bag is provided. The hard case includes at least three container sections telescopically moveable between a retracted position and an expanded position, including a bottom section, a middle section, and a top section, wherein the top section slidably nests within the middle section and the middle section slidably nests within the bottom section in the retracted position; and wherein the container sections abut along adjacent edges in the extended position so that a top edge of the bottom section abuts a bottom edge of the middle section, and a top edge of the middle section abuts the bottom edge of the top section. The hard case further includes stopping mechanism to prevent the container sections from becoming detached when in the expanded position and a releasable locking device for locking the container sections in the expanded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory B. Dietrich
  • Patent number: 6805236
    Abstract: A case for holding, protecting, yet allowing easy linear access to a keyless entry device, the case comprising an open ended enclosure with a springlike element provided to frictionally hold the device securely yet slidably within the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventors: Richard Caruso, Richard Bruce Caruso, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6786514
    Abstract: A label is provided including a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion, wherein the intermediate portion is selectively adjustable between a retracted position in which a portion of the intermediate portion is obscured, and an extended position in which at least a portion of the intermediate portion that was obscured is clearly seen or easily distinguished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Dale C. Gledhill
  • Publication number: 20040169040
    Abstract: A housing is provided with a plurality of housing parts. The housing parts are telescopically connected between a compact position and an extended position. An inside of the housing parts defines a compact area in the compact position, and defines an extended area in the extended position. One of the housing parts defines a fluid opening. A holding container is provided inside the housing parts. The holding container has a fluid opening connected with the fluid opening of the one housing part. The holding container has fluid impermeable walls which fold in on themselves when the housing parts move from the extended position to the compact position. The walls unfold when the housing parts move from the compact position to the extended position in order to define a fluid holding cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Stefanie Berbrich, Jasmin Kornau, Benedikt Rattay
  • Publication number: 20040169039
    Abstract: An extendable drinking utensil including an outer casing, inner casing(s), a lid if desired, a handle if desired, a sealing gasket if desired, which all contribute to the enhancement of liquid, or formulation, storage and/or consumption. The extendable drinking transforms from a normal drinking utensil into a larger drinking utensil capable of holding more and displaying more. This invention allows individuals the convenience of turning their everyday coffee mug into a larger container or pitcher. This invention allows advertisers the ability of enhancing positive brand exposure. This invention allows individuals to show off their favorite team in a new and revolutionary way. This invention allows retailers to offer something completely unique to their customers while also conserving precious shelf space normally used for containers with similar storage capacity. This invention also allows the end user the luxury of storing a container with large holding capacity into a small cupboard or onto a small shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas John Freeman
  • Patent number: 6761276
    Abstract: A covering system for use in connection with an appliance mount having a at least one self-closing tubular sleeve and a plurality of retaining rings. The retaining rings are adapted to engage a support structure. The sleeve wraps around the support structure and creates an inwardly directed clamping action which secures the sleeve to the rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Lucasey Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Edward L. O'Neill
  • Publication number: 20040118850
    Abstract: A storage container designed such that a locking unit to removably lock a cover to a body has a plurality of locking positions, thus allowing a storage space for storing items to be variable. The locking unit includes a locking member and a rotary member. The locking member is provided at a side of the cover. The rotary member is rotatably mounted at a side of the body, and has a plurality of locking holes. The locking holes are arranged on the rotary member along a vertical direction. When the locking member is inserted into a lowermost hinge hole, the storage space has a minimum volume. When the locking member is inserted into an uppermost hinge hole, the storage space has a maximum volume. When the locking member is inserted into a middle hinge hole, the storage space has a middle volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jong Gun Kim
  • Publication number: 20040094547
    Abstract: An ashtray for automobiles exhibits a holder and a removable ashtray that is inserted in the holder, whereby a lifting mechanism is provided for lifting the ashtray from a usage position into an easy-grip position for removal. The lifting mechanism includes an actuator element, which is adjustable at the holder and a transmission element acting together with it. A lifting mechanism exhibiting a simple, cost-efficient construction is created in that the transmission element is in an operating connection with a pivotal lever hinged to the holder in such a manner that, when shifting the actuator element, the pivotal lever makes an arc shaped movement, during the course of which a rounded upper end area of the pivotal lever comes into contact with the underside of the ashtray, and moves it up towards the easy grip-position for removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Pandura
  • Patent number: 6729489
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein a tube case having first and second sections wherein the open ends of the two sections can be slid together to provide a carrying case for elongated items, such as fishing rods, rifles, golf clubs, golf bags and the like. One section is smaller in cross-section than the other such that the closed end of that section can be inserted into the open end of the other section to provide a more compact assembly for storage and shipment. The sections of the tube case are designed so that a portion or an edge at the open end of the outer case abuts a shoulder on a latch plate or bracket on the other case to both provide a stop when the open ends of the two sections are placed together for carrying an article, and further to properly orient the ends of the two sections so that latches can be readily and simply engaged and latched to lock together the two sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: SKB Corporation
    Inventor: David B. Sanderson
  • Patent number: 6691884
    Abstract: A portable cooler tray device for storing foods and beverages on ice while being at a remote location. The portable cooler tray device includes a first tray section; and also includes a second tray section being connected to the first tray section and also being extendable and retractable relative to the first tray section; and further includes a seal for making the first and second tray sections leak-proof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Robert F. Dwyer
  • Patent number: 6666329
    Abstract: A collapsible cup with vented pocket comprises a base member for supporting the apparatus. A plurality of telescoping components form a fluid-tight seal by friction fitting the plurality of telescoping components together. An outermost telescoping component is attached to the base member to form an impervious junction between the base member and the outermost telescoping component. A vented pocket is attached to an innermost telescoping component. The innermost telescoping component is the final component of the plurality of telescoping components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Promotions Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Joan Charbonneau
  • Patent number: 6662944
    Abstract: A firearm carrying case includes a rigid outer housing and a flexible inner shell and pockets defined between the flexible inner shell and the outer housing. The outer housing includes a body having a contoured wall with an engagement portion, a chamber, and an open end. The open end is defined in a first plane. The outer housing also includes an end cap having a contoured wall an engagement portion, a chamber, and an open end. The end cap open end is defined in a second plane such that when the body and end cap are interconnected, an interior cavity is defined. The engagement portions interengage along a line of separation disposed oblique to the longitudinal axis, such that disconnection of the end cap from the body is easier. The flexible inner shell includes a soft wall defining an opening and an interior cavity for receiving the firearm. The inner shell is selectively, cooperatively and slidingly received within the chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Plano Molding Company
    Inventors: John Hagemann, Joseph Fiore, Thomas Hurt, Jesse Simpkins
  • Publication number: 20030222082
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein a tube case having first and second sections wherein the open ends of the two sections can be slid together to provide a carrying case for elongated items, such as fishing rods, rifles, golf clubs, golf bags and the like. One section is smaller in cross-section than the other such that the closed end of that section can be inserted into the open end of the other section to provide a more compact assembly for storage and shipment. The sections of the tube case are designed so that a portion or an edge at the open end of the outer case abuts a shoulder on a latch plate or bracket on the other case to both provide a stop when the open ends of the two sections are placed together for carrying an article, and further to properly orient the ends of the two sections so that latches can be readily and simply engaged and latched to lock together the two sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: SKB CORPORATION
    Inventor: David B. Sanderson
  • Patent number: 6637156
    Abstract: Extendable flower pot (10) for holding a plant comprises bottom pot (30) and extendable upper barrel (20). Upper barrel (20) is adapted to nest inside bottom pot (30). A plant is potted in flower pot (10) in a nested position. When the plant needs more room for its roots, upper barrel (20) is pulled to an extended position, increasing the depth and volume of pot (10). Additional soil is then added. Rim (22) aids gripping of upper barrel (20) and keeps water and soil out of the gap between bottom pot (30) and upper barrel (20) when flower pot (10) is in the nested position. Upper annular protrusion (21′) and bottom annular protrusion (31′) cooperate to stop upper barrel (20) from accidentally being pulled out of bottom pot (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald J. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20030183628
    Abstract: A collapsible storage bin having a base member and an upper containment member is provided. The base member includes a plurality of base walls, and a downwardly facing lip is disposed on at least one of the base walls. The upper containment member includes a plurality of containment walls, and an upwardly facing lip is disposed on at least one of the containment walls. The upwardly facing lip is configured to matingly engage the downwardly facing lip when the base member and the upper containment member are in an assembled position. A locking tab on the containment member is configured to lockingly engage a recess on the base member to lock the base member and the upper containment together in the assembled position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: David Alan Barr
  • Patent number: 6623060
    Abstract: Apparatus for storing items within vehicle compartments that can be manipulated into an operative position and a closed position with a single hand are provided. Apparatus includes a base, expandable walls, and a panel. The panel is pivotally attached to the base via the expandable walls and is movable between a closed position in overlying, face-to-face relation with the base and an oven position disposed substantially transverse to the base. The expandable walls each include a plurality of members pinned together at a first end and having opposite free ends. The members of each expandable wall are configured to move from a stacked relationship to a fanned relationship when the panel is moved from a closed position to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Collins & Aikman Products Co.
    Inventors: Thomas F. J. Gehring, Dejan Havidic, Ireneusz Jankowski, Brian Flaman
  • Publication number: 20030168366
    Abstract: A needle protecting device including a carrier and a needle cover connected to the carrier at a distal needle cover end, the needle cover including a proximal needle cover end which is movable relative to the distal needle cover end such that the needle cover may be elongated along the length of the needle from an exposing position in which the injection needle protrudes through the needle cover to a protecting position in which the needle cover surrounds the injection needle at least as far as its tip, wherein the needle cover is elongated by an elasticity force, and wherein locking elements, including at least a distal locking element and a proximal locking element, lock the needle cover against shortening in its protecting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Michel Hirsiger, Daniel Scheidegger
  • Patent number: 6588616
    Abstract: A wastepaper bin for a paper shredder includes a bottom portion member disposed with a wastepaper bin in a bucket shape and an elastic clamping device disposed adjacent to a top end area thereof; a top portion member slidably inserted onto the exterior portion of the bottom portion member is assembled by a unitarily molded peripheral wall and has a clamping device disposed in the area of a lower opening for retaining the elastic clamping device thereby fastening the top portion member on the bottom portion member; an unclamping device is disposed on the peripheral wall of the top portion member; a supporting device for supporting a main body of the paper shredder is disposed adjacent to the upper opening area of the top portion member; the wastepaper bin is capable of tremendously reducing the transportation and storage cost of the paper shredder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Ming-Hui Ho
  • Patent number: 6554155
    Abstract: An insulating device for bottles having a lower cylindrical enclosure which telescopically receives an upper enclosure having a dome-shaped upper end, the upper and lower enclosures being provided with mating threads adapted to achieve a quick plunge insertion and sealing feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas M. Beggins
  • Patent number: 6536192
    Abstract: A plastic canister for storing and shipping drill bits, especially roller cone drill bit, has a pin-holder built into the lid of the canister for ease of field dressing the bit. The lid and body of the container are slip fit to one another and indexed to each other for positive positioning in their relationship. Safety features include the use of a conductive plastic polymer, a non-rolling base, mating protrusions and recesses for stacking, recessed areas for strapping, and welded loop handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignees: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., Relocation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. King, William C. Saxman, Jeffery Peck, James S. Dahlem, Karl D. Knecht, Lee M. Smith, Margaret L. Parks, Mike Jeziorski, Patsy A. Jenner
  • Patent number: 6527115
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a container for storage, dispensation, transport and disposal of a medical device such a disposable ultrasonic surgical probe, that allows its dispensation for use, and for its safe storage and disposal after use, thereby protecting the user from the hazards of needle pricks and possible contamination from small-diameter probes. The container of the present invention also provides a mechanism for restricting access to the probe to prevent its reuse, and a method for its safe attachment to and detachment from an ultrasonic medical device. The container comprises a cylindrical tube having two ends and an inner surface defining a space for containing the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: OmniSonics Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Rabiner, Bradley A. Hare, James H. Loper
  • Publication number: 20030024830
    Abstract: A container assembly system for storing multiple components of a formulation in separate individual container assembly units (10, 30, 30′, 130, 130′, 230, 230′) that can be assembled easily into a single multi-compartment container. The components of a formulation may be stored in each assembly units (10, 30, 30′, 130, 130′, 230, 230′) and then assembled into a multi-compartment container so that the components can be mixed into a formula just prior to use. The assembly units, each containing a component of a formulation, can also be assembled into a single multi-compartment container first and then stored until ready for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Igal Sharon
  • Publication number: 20030024928
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container, in particular as a work room, with variable volume, having a basic container with a bottom wall and a roof wall, at least one expansion element, which can be moved out of the basic container and which exhibits a bottom wall, a side that is open in the direction of the basic container, as well as a front wall opposite the open side, and a device, with which the expansion element can be lowered and lifted. The basic container exhibits at least one hinged side wall and the expansion element is open at the top. In the moved-out state a roof wall of the expansion element is formed by the side wall that is opened up on hinges and belongs to the basic container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: Dornier GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Serden
  • Patent number: 6494334
    Abstract: A container includes a stationary container having at least an open side and provided with a first pair of rails at upper and lower positions of one inner end thereof, a second pair of rails at upper and lower positions of another inner end thereof, two secondary rails being pivotally connected to each of the rails at lower positions, and a movable container provided with a plurality of roller assemblies which are positioned to be rotatably engaged with the rails to enable the movable container to slide into the stationary container along the rails and slide out of the stationary container along the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Chih Hung Cheng